Woman ordained as Indiana's first female Catholic priest

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As she knelt at the altar of the Far-Southside church during her ordination ceremony, Maria Thornton McClain was unaware that three off-duty police officers stood watch just outside the sanctuary, IndyStar.com reports.

"We're just here in case there's a protest or problem," said one of the armed officers, dressed in full uniform. He didn't wish to be identified.

The anonymity was part of the mystery in a growing effort to welcome women into the priesthood.

The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize the ordination of women, but more and more women are answering the call as part of a reform movement.

On Sunday, McClain, 71, a former East Coast resident, aunt to several nieces and nephews, and wife of 31 years to Ed McClain, became Indiana's first woman to be ordained into the Catholic priesthood.

Baptized a Roman Catholic, McClain, a former nun, moved to Indianapolis in 1977 to become director of religious education at St. Pius X parish. She was ordained as a deacon last year and began preparing for the priesthood.
"There is a fear of ramifications, but we have to stand up for inclusivity," said John Kirby, a spokesman for CORPUS, one of the oldest reform groups of the Catholic Church. The event went off without disturbance.

Speaking during the two-hour ordination of McClain and four female deacons, Kirby said, "Yours is a voice that is being heard more and more. I know you will bring healing and hope to all you meet."

McClain, who will perform a public Mass of Thanksgiving at 3 p.m. Sunday, with the St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community (at Unitarian Universalist Church of Indiana), said her ordination was a natural progression of her beliefs.

"Where I came from, being progressive was not a problem," McClain said. "With the Second Vatican, it was expected. I embraced the change and still do."

The Second Vatican Council (1962-65), also known as Vatican II, addressed relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world.

But earlier this month, Pope Benedict XVI restated the church's ban on female priests, rhetorically asking, "Is disobedience a path of renewal for the church?"

Representatives from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis did not return calls regarding McClain's ordination, but Greg Otolski, a spokesman, told WTHR-13, The Indianapolis Star's news-gathering partner, "He (Jesus) only chose 12 men, 12 apostles, all men. He did not choose women, and that's an unalterable part of the faith." McClain's scheduled ordination was first reported by WTHR's Mary Milz.

After Sunday's liturgy, McClain spent time thanking her husband, family and friends. Her remarks were met by a standing ovation and warm hugs from a crowd representing five states.

McClain becomes one of more than 100 Catholic women around the world ordained as a priest. In a growing movement, known as "Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP)," women who are theologically qualified and called to the ministry are ordained into the priesthood.

To become eligible for priesthood, women 50 and older are asked to have a theology degree and some practice in the church, Nicolosi said. Those younger than 50 are expected to acquire a master's in theology or divinity.

"You heard God's call and you responded," she told McClain. "The knowledge of how to respond has evolved over time. The essence of Jesus' commandment is to love."

Because the Roman Catholic Church does not recognize the ordination of women, many serve in house churches, celebrants of weddings and baptisms, or chaplains of prisons or hospitals.

"According to the Roman Catholic Church, we excommunicate ourselves through ordination," McClain said. "I choose to disobey and break this unjust law and to change the church. It's an honor to help people in the state of Indiana and anyone who has been marginalized to reclaim their right to develop their spiritual life and to follow God."

Call Star reporter T.J. Banes at (317) 444-6815.

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Woman ordained as Indiana's first female Catholic priest

The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize the ordination of women, but more and more women are answering the call as part of a reform movement.